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Is there a part-time job opportunity available for students and how much can one earn in a year in Germany?

17 Aug 2026 · Answered by Leeladhar S · 1 min read
Leeladhar S
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Yes, international students in Germany can work part-time. You are allowed to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without extra approval. This usually means about 20 hours per week during the semester.

Typical hourly wages start at €12.82/hour (minimum wage, subject to change). Most student jobs pay between €12 - €22/hour, depending on the role and your skills.

- Minijob (café, retail): ~€1,025/month
- Student Assistant: ~€640 - €960/month
- Werkstudent (IT/Engineering): ~€1,120 - €1,600/month

If you work the maximum allowed hours, you can earn approximately €12,000 - €15,000/year before taxes, depending on job type and hours worked.

Actual earnings may vary based on location, job type, and your experience. Balancing work with your studies is important to maintain academic performance.

If you need help finding suitable part-time jobs, please connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.

More expert answers

Deepak Kumar
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Yes, you can work part-time while studying in Germany. International students are allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without extra approval.

- Minimum wage: €13.90/hour (subject to change)
- During semester: Up to 20 hours/week, earning about €1,120/month before taxes
- During breaks: Up to 40 hours/week, earning around €2,220/month before taxes

Actual take-home pay will be lower after taxes and social security deductions. Part-time work also helps you gain experience and adapt to life in Germany.

If you need personalized guidance, please reach out to your LeapScholar counsellor.

Pushplata Gaddmwar
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You can typically earn enough from a part-time job in Germany to cover a significant portion of your living expenses, but exact amounts depend on your job type and hours.

- Werkstudent (working student): €13 - €20/hour, up to about €800 - €1,600/month if you work 20 hours/week.
- Mini-job: Up to €538/month, usually for roles like retail or hospitality.
- Research assistant (HiWi): Around €13.90 - €16/hour, with similar weekly limits.

International students can work up to 20 hours/week during the semester (140 full days or 280 half days per year, subject to change).

Average monthly expenses are €800 - €1,200, including accommodation, food, insurance, and transport. Balancing work and studies is important to maintain academic performance.

If you need help finding suitable part-time roles or understanding work limits, your LeapScholar counsellor can guide you.

Vishnu priyanga
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Yes, as an international student in Germany, you can work part-time while studying.

You are allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, which is typically around 20 hours per week during the semester. During semester breaks, you can work full-time within this annual limit.

Common part-time job options and typical earnings:
- Werkstudent (working student): €13 - €20/hour, often related to your field of study.
- Student Assistant (HiWi): €12 - €15/hour at universities.
- Minijobs: Up to €603/month tax-free in sectors like retail or hospitality.
- Tutoring: €15 - €25/hour if you have subject expertise.

The minimum wage is €13.90/hour as of 2026. Working 20 hours per week at average rates can earn you about €1,170/month before taxes.

Balancing work with studies and following visa rules is essential.

How much can you actually earn part-time in Germany?

See how part-time work fits into your total budget and visa funds.

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